Will '76 Cutlas Disc Brakes Interchange With Earlier Years?

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Jul 19, 2009 | 04:05 PM

coldwar

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Last edited by coldwar; Nov 13, 2009 at 05:58 PM.

Jul 19, 2009 | 07:50 PM

joe_padavano

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Quote:

Originally Posted by coldwar

I tried to search this answer out with search function, and am sure I knew the answer long ago, but have forgotten. I am scrapping a '76 Cutlass with disc brakes, and am wonder if it is worth saving the front brakes for the future. Will the assemblies interchange one for one to earlier years, say '71 to 77? Perhaps just '73 to '77? Kindly advise if you know details - Thanks - CW

Unfortunately, not easily. Starting with the 1973 model year, GM changed the ball joint taper on the spindles. It is possible to retrofit the later ball joints and tie rod ends (this is the same effort required to use the B-body spindles), but then you need the shortened upper arms and by the time you go that far, you might as well just get the B-body spindles with the 12" brakes.